Originally Posted by
I Coalman
I found using a starter bottle for the yeast was very successful.
Using a clear, preferably sterilised bottle, put in some warm water. (For a 33cl bottle, about a third of the bottle, but it's not critical).
Add half a teaspoon or so of sugar.
Give it a shake until the sugar has dissolved.
(Or mix sugar and water in a bowl and stir it before putting it in bottle.)
Add yeast to bottle.
Give it a shake, and loosely put a piece of cotton wool in the top of the bottle. (To stop flies getting in.)
Leave in a warm place. (No problem in Thailand).
After 15 minutes or so, it will have a layer of foam on top as the yeast is activated.
Give it a shake, and pitch it in the warm, (certainly not in any way hot), juice mix.
I brewed for many years, beer and wine, and found a starter bottle to give 100% success.